Death Toll From Great Nigeria Building Rises To Five As Another Fire Guts Arena Market In Oshodi

Just when Lagosians are trying to come to terms with the Great Nigeria Building fire incident in Lagos Island, another fire outbreak has gutted a section of the Arena Market in Oshodi. The incident happened on Monday evening. This is just as the death toll from the Great Nigeria Building rose to five, as two more bodies were recovered from the rubble on Sunday.

Concerning the Arena market fire incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in a statement by its Controller General, Margret Adeseye, stated that it received a distress call at about 5:50pm, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighting units, which arrived at the scene within five minutes.

She added that the fire affected five 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, bringing the total number of affected shops to 10.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service received a distress call at approximately 17:50 hours today reporting a fire outbreak at Arena Market, Bolade, Oshodi.

Firefighting units were promptly dispatched and arrived at the scene within five minutes. At about 17:55 hours, fire crews from Bolade, Ilupeju, Ikeja, and Alausa Fire Stations responded swiftly and collaboratively to contain the incident.

“The fire affected a section of the market consisting of five (5) 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, making a total of 10 shops. The affected area is primarily used for the storage and sale of clothing materials, which were stocked in bales. The fire has been confined to the affected section and curtailed. The situation is firmly under control, and there is no risk of the fire spreading to other parts of the market.”

According to the fire service, the inferno was successfully confined to the affected section and brought under control, with no risk of it spreading to adjoining areas of the market.

On the GNI incident, PUNCH Metro reported that the fire started on the fourth floor and spread to the sixth floor of the 25-storey building before engulfing the remaining floors and adjoining structures.

A detached section of the plaza, estimated at about seven floors, collapsed during the inferno, trapping traders and market assistants.

While seven individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, three bodies were recovered from the rubble on Friday.

Sources at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said that the additional bodies were pulled out during ongoing search-and-rescue operations on Sunday.

“We recovered two more bodies on Sunday. The bodies were already burnt because of the fire, and we could not recognise who they were. One of the bodies was also mangled.

“The goods under the rubble are still a reason why the fire is still burning under it. It is no longer an emergency situation other than recovery,” the source disclosed.

It was gathered that more people have begun to throng the scene of the incident in search of their loved ones.

There were also indications that the customers who had come to purchase goods were also caught up in the incident.

“More people have been coming to this place since Sunday in search of their loved ones who had come to purchase items in the market. They claimed they last heard from them on Wednesday when the incident happened,” a shop owner in the market, Wunmi Olabisi, told newsmen.

Emergency responders have continued excavation and search efforts amid growing anxiety from families awaiting information on missing relatives.

Relatives also provided names and photographs of their affected loved ones.

The identified victims include Elo Chukwu, Omeigbo Chuwuebuka, Omeigbo Chukwudubem, Kayode Omoniyi, Ikechukwudi Asobi and Murphy Aborinwa.

Others are Onyeka Obinwa, Mercy Ukamaka, and Taofeeq Opera, as well as a trader identified as Chiding and two of his boys.

The remaining trapped persons include several other market assistants whose identities could not be ascertained.

Reacting to the incident, the Shitta-Bey family of Lagos, owners of the GNI Building, expressed deep sorrow over the fire incident that recently gutted the high-rise structure, describing it as a tragic occurrence.

In a statement, the family said its thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families affected by the incident.

The family assured the public that it was working closely with relevant authorities to ensure that affected individuals received the necessary support and assistance.

“The Shitta-Bey family of Lagos, the owner of Shitta-Bey Court, popularly called GNI Building, is deeply saddened by the recent fire accident in our high-rise building.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families affected by this tragic incident. We want to assure the public and residents that the family is working closely with authorities to ensure that affected individuals receive all necessary support and assistance.

“We urge everyone to disregard any false narratives or misinformation being spread by the former tenant/caretaker, Great Nigeria Insurance Ltd (GNI), under whose management the building got burnt in November 2013 but was left in a dangerous state for almost six years until the family, pursuant to the Order of the High Court of Lagos State dated the 31st day of October, 2019, recovered possession from the company and rehabilitated the building.”

The family further reassured residents and stakeholders that the building was adequately insured and pledged its commitment to restoring the structure, including the mosque within the premises, while ensuring the safe return of all residents.

It added that updates would be provided as more information became available.

 

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Funke Akindele's 'Behind The Scenes' Makes History, Rakes In Over N1 Billion Within One Month Of Release

These are certainly fulfilling times for Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele as her latest cinema release, Behind The Scenes, has crossed the ₦1 billion mark at the Nigerian box office.

The achievement was announced by FilmOne Entertainment on Monday via its X handle, where the distributor confirmed that the film has grossed ₦1,109,463,846 since its release, cementing its place among the most commercially successful films in Nigeria’s cinema history.

FilmOne described the feat as historic, noting that Behind The Scenes is now the fastest film in West Africa to surpass the ₦1 billion benchmark. The distributor also revealed that the movie recorded the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning ₦129.5 million.

“Fastest film in West Africa to cross ₦1B+,” FilmOne said, adding that the film also achieved “the highest single-day gross ever on Boxing Day (₦129.5M).”

The company further disclosed that the film has emerged as the highest-grossing theatrical release of 2025 so far, maintaining strong momentum several weeks after its nationwide cinema debut.

FilmOne also highlighted Akindele’s continued dominance at the box office, stating that the latest success further extends her record-breaking run in Nollywood. According to the distributor, she is “the only director to cross ₦1B+ at the box office three different times” and “Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time.”

It added that Akindele has also become “the first filmmaker to deliver three consecutive ₦1B+ films in one calendar year,” a record yet to be matched in the industry.

“Thank you to everyone for the love and support so far. This win is for all of us,” FilmOne stated.

Prior to crossing the ₦1 billion mark, Behind The Scenes had already set multiple records. The film grossed ₦512 million within 12 days of release, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood title of 2025 at the time.

The film held advanced screenings on December 10 and 11 before officially opening in cinemas nationwide on December 12. Within days, it crossed the ₦200 million mark and went on to post what FilmOne described as “the biggest opening weekend of 2025.”

“₦512M at the box office. Highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025. Fastest Nollywood movie to hit ₦500M. Number one film of the weekend,” the distributor said in an earlier update.

Behind The Scenes explores the theme of black tax, focusing on the social and financial pressures faced by individuals supporting extended family members, a subject that has strongly resonated with cinema audiences.

The film stars Scarlet Gomez in the lead role and features an ensemble cast that includes Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, Uche Montana, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Adebowale “Mr Macaroni,” Ibrahim Chatta, Kamo State, and reality TV personalities Handi and Wanni Danbaki, among others.

 

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Skales, Korede Bello, Teni The Entertainer And DJ Jimmy Jatt Thrill Kirikiri Prison Inmates At SALT Concert

Inmates of the Medium Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, were recently treated to a fun-filled concert that featured notable Nigerian artistes, including Skales, Korede Bello, Teni the Entertainer and DJ Jimmy Jatt amongst others.

Tagged “SALT Concert”, it was a powerful demonstration of the transformative power of music and creative expression. The event was organised through a partnership between music and prison reform advocate Lamboginny and the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation.

The concert brought moments of joy and human connection to incarcerated individuals, reaffirming the role of creative arts as a tool for rehabilitation and emotional well-being within custodial settings.

Speaking on the initiative, CELSIR Executive Director, Joke Aladesanmi, said the partnership reflects the organisation’s mission to promote rehabilitation, dignity, and second chances for justice-impacted persons.

She said, “We remain committed to expanding innovative interventions across correctional facilities in Nigeria, ensuring that rehabilitation goes beyond confinement and focuses on restoration, hope, and transformation.”

On his part, Lamboginny reiterated his advocacy for using music as a bridge for healing, inclusion and social reform.

“This concert demonstrates how strategic collaborations between civil society organisations and creative industry leaders can support correctional reform efforts and contribute meaningfully to inmate rehabilitation.”

Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Daramola George, emphasised the NCS’s commitment to initiatives that prioritise rehabilitation.

The concert also featured performances from Seyi Sodimu and DJ Kaywise.

 

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Elumelu's Family Donates To Orphanages As End Of Year Charity

The family of business mogul, Tony Elumelu, has donated food items to orphanage homes across Lagos, Edo and Delta states as part of its end-of-year humanitarian outreach.

The donation covered six orphanages in Lagos State and three each in Edo and Delta states.

The exercise was flagged off in Lagos by the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, Awele Elumelu, at the Hearts of Gold Children Hospice in Surulere.

Speaking during the presentation on Saturday, Awele Elumelu thanked caregivers for their efforts in caring for vulnerable children despite prevailing economic challenges, urging more individuals to support such initiatives.

She said, “We thank God for this season, a season of joy and peace. We know it has not been easy. Things have been tough in 2025, but through your efforts and the support of others, you have been able to cope, and we thank God for you.

“As we go into a new year, we pray for more strength for you to continue the good work you are doing. We do our little bit, but we need more people to help. We pray for more helpers.”

She explained that the outreach was extended beyond Lagos to Delta and Edo states, noting that the needs of vulnerable children were not limited to any one part of the country.

“We can never do too much or do enough, but at least let us do what we can. The more you do, God will help you to do more,” she added.

Founder of the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Laja Adedoyin, expressed appreciation to the Elumelu family, saying previous support from the family had helped the facility remain operational amid rising costs.

According to her, the facility incurs daily medical expenses, including the cost of drugs and specialised care.

“God is taking care of these children, but He does so through the support we receive. You came in January, and what you have sown has helped us get to where we are today.

“We have in-house doctors and nurses. Daily, there are medical issues that require hospital care or care within the home. There is hardly a day we don’t have to buy medicine,” Adedoyin said.

She explained that the home is a specialised medical hospice rather than a conventional orphanage, catering for children with complex health conditions, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other congenital disorders.

“We are not an orphanage; we are a hospice, a home for children with special needs, especially medical needs, some of my children have Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, myocephalus and other congenital abnormalities. Many of them live with multiple disabilities.

“These are the children people look at and want to look away from, but they are human beings, and they exist. I have heard people say such children don’t exist, but they do, and they are alive,” she stated.

Items distributed during the outreach included 1,730 bags of rice and 290 bags of beans, aimed at supporting vulnerable children and easing the burden on caregivers.

 

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Police Intercept Illegal Firearm In Stop-And-Search Operation At Ishashi

The Lagos State Police Command has said the recovery of a locally made firearm in the Ishashi area underscores its continued reliance on stop-and-search operations as part of broader efforts to prevent crime across the state.

In a statement posted on its official X handle, the command disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Crime Unit attached to the Ishashi Division recovered a cut-to-size double-barrel firearm and two cartridges during a patrol on Tuesday at about 10:45 p.m.

The police said the recovery was made in the course of a routine stop-and-search operation carried out within the division’s jurisdiction, adding that the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer.

Reaffirming its position on preventive policing, the command said such measures remain central to disrupting criminal activity before it occurs and strengthening public safety.

The statement read, “Stop-and-search remains a proactive crime-prevention measure. On December 23, 2025, at about 10:45 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Crime Unit of Ishashi Division, led by the DPO, recovered a locally made cut-to-size double-barrel firearm with two cartridges during a patrol and stop-and-search operation within the division’s jurisdiction.”

The command assured residents that patrols and intelligence-led operations would be sustained across Lagos State as part of efforts to maintain security and deter criminal activities.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has said recent intelligence-led operations across several states resulted in the arrest of 22 suspects and the recovery of firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items linked to criminal activities.

In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the operations were carried out by operatives of the Force Special Tactical Squad and targeted offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to banditry, cattle rustling, impersonation and drug trafficking.

Hundeyin said six firearms were recovered during the operations, including “one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, alongside two rounds of live ammunition”. He added that a total of 45 other exhibits were also recovered, comprising vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and items suspected to have been used in committing various crimes.

According to the police, one of the key operations took place along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons and other incriminating materials. Hundeyin said further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with alleged armed robbery and economic sabotage.

He also disclosed that, in a separate operation within the Federal Capital Territory, operatives arrested a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have carried out a violent robbery involving a serving Nigerian Army officer.

The police spokesperson said another suspect, 40-year-old Yusuf Shehu, was arrested with a stolen tricycle and was found to be impersonating a police officer. “A police mobile uniform and a police identity card were recovered from him,” Hundeyin said.

He further stated that operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances during routine patrols.

In Edo State, Hundeyin said four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. He added that in Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were also apprehended.

The police said investigations into the various cases were ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to dismantle criminal networks operating across the country.

 

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How Gun-Wielding Hoodlums Invaded Eyo Festival

There was confusion in parts of Lagos Island on Saturday as unidentified hoodlums masquerading as Eyo participants were seen brandishing a gun and unleashing violence during the annual Eyo Festival, previously celebrated as the Adamu Orisha Play.

The cultural event, which draws local and international spectators, witnessed unprecedented disorder when the traditional procession spilled into street confrontations.

Video clips circulating widely on social media show individuals in the iconic white flowing garments and tall red hats associated with Eyo masquerades engaging in aggressive behaviour against onlookers and residents.

In one disturbing sequence, a person believed to be impersonating an Eyo masquerade is seen wielding what appears to be a firearm in the midst of the procession, prompting panic and flight among bystanders.

The disturbing footage also captured scenes of physical assault on a man by several men dressed in Eyo regalia, repeatedly striking him with staves while others surged toward the confrontation.

In separate clips, residents were seen retaliating by throwing chairs and other items at groups of masquerade figures near residential gates.

The violence has sparked outrage across social media platforms, with citizens condemning both the physical assaults and the unsettling display of a firearm during a cultural celebration traditionally associated with heritage, unity and respect.

Many commentators stressed that such conduct tarnishes the longstanding cultural significance of the Eyo Festival and endangers public safety.

This year’s Eyo Festival was officially supported by government dignitaries and saw significant civic planning, including traffic diversions and public safety advisories aimed at ensuring a peaceful celebration.

Authorities had earlier urged respect for traditional protocols and emphasised that no procession should continue beyond evening hours.

 

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Music Embraced Me When Acting Pushed Me Away - Fast-Rising Artiste, Rento

Fast-rising actor and singer, Rento, has opened up about the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, his decision to step back from acting, and his growing music career.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, the entertainer revealed that his latest single ‘Damiloun’ was born out of deep frustration and emotional turmoil.

He said, “Damiloun, a Yoruba word meaning ‘answer me,’ came at a time when I felt overwhelmed by the hurdles I faced in Nollywood despite years of hard work. I have featured in more than 100 movies, but I haven’t received my due recognition. They don’t even call me for most of their jobs.”

Rento added that he often had to fight for roles rather than earn them on merit. “Sometimes I have to beg or force myself to get a role. But thank God for music; I have another talent, and people are accepting it. My songs have over a million streams on all digital platforms.”

Describing Nollywood as a system that often frustrates genuine talent, he said, “The entertainment industry is a dark world. If anyone wants to venture into it, I would tell them not to come. It’s pure show business. If you’re real, they won’t give you a chance. You have to play along, pretend, and sacrifice things that aren’t worth it.”

Rento claimed that gatekeepers in the industry deliberately obstruct passionate talents. “The people who run the industry want you to go through a long process. Only those willing to dance to their drum easily get the key,” he lamented.

Tracing his journey, Rento explained that he began acting in 2006 as a child actor in Ogbomosho (Osun State) before moving to Lagos. “I’ve been on the road for long. I’ve sacrificed a lot. They were not giving me chances, so I decided to focus on where people want me more—music.”

He maintained that his switch to music was both spiritual and emotional. “I started composing songs at cemeteries, singing to the deceased without even realising I was making music. That’s when I knew music was my calling.”

Rento also emphasised his commitment to integrity. “I refuse shortcuts that many take to rise in entertainment fame. That path would make me sinful. I want to succeed on my own merit.”

Though stepping back from acting, Rento has worked with some of Nollywood’s top stars, including Odunlade Adekola, Mide Martins, Wunmi Toriola, and Femi Adebayo.

He is also seeing success in music, with a joint project titled ‘Pasuma Wonder’ with Bhadboi OML, topping charts in France and Somalia. “Fans should expect love songs from me now. I’ve done street sounds for the streets; it’s time for love songs.”

Rento revealed plans for an album in 2026 featuring eight tracks and promised more viral hits. “I know I’m going to be big. The discovery stage is very wet. Fans should watch out for back-to-back bangers this year.”

Culled from The Punch  

 

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Driver Runs Amok, Kills 9-Year Old, Injures Four Others In Lekki

A yet-to-be-identified driver has allegedly caused the death of a nine-year-old boy and injured four others after losing control of his vehicle due to suspected speeding and crashing into the children.

A statement by the Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, revealed that the incident occurred at about 2:31pm along Wole Olateju Crescent in the Lekki area of the state.

Adeseye noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle lost control due to overspeeding and rammed into the children, who were standing at the gate of a house in the area.

Four of the five children, aged between eight and 13, were said to have sustained severe injuries, while the fifth child was feared dead.

She stated, “The incident involved a Lexus RX 300 jeep with registration number GGE 750BM, which occurred at No. 1, Wole Olateju Crescent, Kingshisha, Lekki Phase 1, off Admiralty Road, within Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle (Lexus jeep), while allegedly overspeeding, lost control and ran into five male children aged between eight and 13 years who were at the gate of the above-mentioned address.

“Four of the victims were rescued alive but sustained severe injuries and were subsequently conveyed to an undisclosed hospital by sympathisers. One male child, aged nine years, was suspected dead at the scene.”

The LSFRS boss noted that the matter was subsequently handed over to the police.

“The vehicle involved and the victims sustained varying degrees of damage and injuries. The affected vehicle was later evacuated by a private towing company with registration number GGE 812HX and taken to the Maroko Police Station.

“Officers from the Maroko Police Division were present at the scene and took over for further investigation.”

 

 

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Lagos Woman Who Rejected Blood Transfusion Dies

A Lagos-based breast cancer patient and member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mensah Omolola, popularly known on X as Auntie Esther, has reportedly died after rejecting a medically advised blood transfusion.

The 38-year-old was receiving treatment at the Lakeshore Cancer Centre, Lagos, before declining the procedure on religious grounds.

Her death was announced on X on Saturday by Obi-Dickson, who led a donation campaign for her treatment, alongside another supporter, Aunty Muse.

“It is well. Peaceful rest to her. I really do not know what to say,” Obi-Dickson wrote.

Also confirming the development, Aunty Muse posted, “Rest on, Aunty Esther.”

Omolola rejected a blood transfusion weeks after Nigerians rallied and raised over N30m to support her treatment.

Her case attracted widespread public attention in November after a video of her appealing for financial assistance to commence treatment went viral.

However, an earlier video released in October to draw attention to her condition had sparked controversy, with some Nigerians expressing doubts over the authenticity of her illness.

Following news of her death, reactions flooded social media, with many Nigerians expressing sadness over the development, while others reignited discussions on the balance between religious beliefs and medical advice.

 

 

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How Air Peace's Brand New Aircraft Was Damaged At Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Flight operations of Air Peace were disrupted over the weekend after its newly acquired Embraer 195-E2 aircraft was damaged by ground handling equipment operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA,.

A source close to the airline confirmed the incident.

The aircraft, which was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra, was reportedly struck by a luggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the handling company shortly after passengers had boarded.

The aircraft, with registration number 5N-BYH, sustained damage to its thrust reverser cowling, a component of the engine casing, following the impact.

As a precautionary safety measure, the aircraft was immediately grounded, and all passengers on board were asked to disembark.

The incident resulted in operational delays and disruption of flight schedules, as the affected aircraft had been programmed to operate multiple sectors for the day.

Industry sources confirmed that no fewer than nine flights assigned to the aircraft were impacted, with passengers experiencing delays or being rebooked on alternative flights.

The Embraer 195-E2 is part of Air Peace’s recently delivered fleet, making the incident significant given the high cost associated with inspections and repairs involving modern aircraft engines.

No injuries were recorded in the incident.

Meanwhile, investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the condition of the ground handling equipment and compliance with standard operating procedures.

A source close to NAHCO also confirmed the incident, noting that the company’s top management was aware of the development and visited the scene on Friday morning.

NCAA director Michael Achimugu also confirmed the development on his official X account on Friday.

“Passengers were already boarded when a ground handler’s conveyor belt hit the aircraft, causing damage to the engine cover,” Achimugu wrote.

“Passengers had to be deboarded. The aircraft was scheduled to fly nine sectors. All passengers waiting for its operations are automatically disrupted, and the airline will face backlash, refund issues, compensation, etc, for a damage that was not its fault, and it would spend large sums of foreign currency to fix.

“The other time, it was a bird strike that cost (by the airline’s admission), over three million dollars to fix. It took an entire month for the airline manufacturer to send them the replacement for the “engine cowling dent.”

“Today’s aircraft was one of the brand new E2’s, and it was fully booked until January 15th, 2026. Now, all innocent passengers booked for its operations will experience one delay or cancellation.

“But airlines will not throw other service providers under the bus. They will simply announce “technical/operational reasons” and then they would bear, not just the anger of justifiably aggravated passengers, but the consequences per Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.”

Speaking further, Achimugu said Air Peace has suffered a lot of these technical issues through no fault of theirs.

He spoke about the need to start naming and shaming poorly trained ground handling personnel whose inefficiency costs the airlines great reputational, financial, and technical damage.

Achimugu added that the NCAA will now be looking to strengthen the regulations in a way that also heavily sanctions service providers for matters like the type in the images below.

According to him, airlines should not be held responsible for situations like this, and passengers should be informed, most honestly, about the reasons for disruptions caused by these unfortunate scenarios.

“I do hope that there is enough insurance to cover the cost of losses like this one,” Achimugu said.

“In advance, I call for the understanding of passengers who were scheduled to fly this aircraft. I have asked about standby aircraft. The airline has two (which is commendable), but those two have been deployed to cover two other similar situations. In any case, even if they were available, their sitting capacities are less than the damaged E2.

“These are some of the behind-the-scene situations that make airlines seem culpable. We must educate more, and ensure to unbundle the facts so that the industry does not continue to seem like a secret coven that swallows information behind layers of cover-ups.

“To Air Peace, and indeed all domestic operators, I empathize with you in moments like this.

“Thankfully, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ensured that access to forex is not longer as difficult as it used to be. I know that this does not mitigate the costs of repairs, neither does it make up for the lost time and possible profits, but I salute your resoluteness in keeping the business running. May Nigeria succeed.”

 

 

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